Ballantyne reelected as president of Somerville Board of Aldermen as city focuses on 2019 goals

Julia Taliesin

Tuesday

Jan 8, 2019 at 2:09 PM

Three sharp gavel taps commenced the 2019 organizational meeting of Somerville's Board of Alderman and School Committee.

The house was packed, standing room only in the back, with residents, activists, and engaged citizens crowded the Aldermanic Chambers Monday, Jan. 7.

“This is the last ever organizational meeting of the Somerville Board of Alderman,” said Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang to applause and laughter, referencing the recent change to the Somerville City Charter to have a Somerville “City Council” instead of a “Board of Alderman.”

Board of Alderman and School Committee business

Board of Alderman President Katjana Ballantyne made history as the first woman to serve as president for two consecutive terms.

“I brag about Somerville to all of my friends and family that don’t live here,” she said in her address. “I chose Somerville to be my home because of the wonderful people who live here.”